Folding door



Oct. l1, 1966 W. sToUFFER 3,277,950

FOLDING DOOR Filed April 20, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS.

Oct. 11, 1966 Wl STO-UFFER 3,277,950

FoLDNG D005 Filed April 20, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 NVE/VTOR W/LFRED .STOUFFER ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent O 3,277,950 IFIJDING DUUR Wilfred Stouffer, Philadelphia, Pa., assignor, by direct and rnesne assignments, to NulFold Corporation, Philadelphia, Iba., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Apr. 2t), 1964, Ser. No. 360,859 8 Claims. (Cl. i60- 183) This invention primarily relates to an accordion type folding door.

Folding doors of the accordion Atype are constructed from a plurality of panels which are hinged together. The panels pivot relative to each other as the door is pulled across a space to be closed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved joint between the panels of an accordion type folding door.

It is further object of this invention to provide a joint between the panels of an accordion type folding door which will prevent separation of the panels and provide an even flow of the panels as the door is pulled across a given space.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a folding door of the accordion type wherein pivotable movement of the panels with respect to each other is limited, whereby a corrugated effect is obtained upon the closing of the door.

Yet another object of this invention is to disclose an improved joint between the panels of an accordion type folding door with may be easily disassembled and replaced.

Another object of this invention is to provide an accordion type folding door which is durable and long lasting and which can be installed for exterior as well as interior use.

A further object of this invention is to disclose an accordion type folding door which can be filled with insulating materials for the prevention of heat and sound transfer through the door panels.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawing a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE l is a side view in elevation of the accordion type folding door comprising the subject matter of the instant invention.

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line 2--2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view similar to FIGURE r 2 but illustrating the position of the panels of the door when the door is opened.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line 4 4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line 5 5 of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of the joint between two adjacent panels of the door.

FIGURE 7 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line 7-7 of FIGURE l.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like parts, an accordion type folding door constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 10.

The door lll includes a plurality of panels 16 connected by an astragal 26. The panels I6 are generally rectangular in shape and are hollow. The astragals and the panels are adapted to be formed from plastic material and may be extruded.

Patented Oct. 1l, 1966 "ice Each of the astragals 26 Vis adapted to join a pair of adjacent panels 16. The astragal 26 is extruded with a pair of opposed arcuate surfaces 27 and 29. An elongated arcuate slot such as Z8 is formed in each of the surfaces 27 and 29 at spaced horizontal planes along the astragal 26.

A hinge assembly generally designated by the numeral 33 is adapted to connect each of the panels 16 to the astragal Z6. The hinge assembly 33 includes a cylindrical sleeve 35 of plastic material which is adapted to be secured to opposed end walls 17 and 19 of the panels 16.

Disposed within the sleeve 35 are a pair of pins 34. A mallet shaped head 36 is integral with one end of the pin 34 and a nut 4t) is threadably connected to the threads 3S on the opposite end of the pin 34. A stud 44 provides a closure for each end of the sleeve 35 and is threadably connected into the sleeve until its head 48 abuts the end of the sleeve. The stud 44 includes a bore 46 through which the pin 34 extends. A coil spring 42 is wound about the pin 34 and held captive between the nut 40 and the stud 44.

A hinge assembly 33 is disposed within the panel 16 at spaced intervals corresponding to the spacings of the slots 28 formed in the astragal 26. In assembling each panel, the stud 44 is first placed on the body of the pin 34 with its head 43 next to the mallet head 36 on the pin. The coil spring 42 is then placed around the body of the pin 34 next to the stud 44. A nut 40 is then threaded loosely onto the threads 38 on the pin 34. This completed assembly is then placed in one end of the sleeve 35 and the stud 44 is screwed into place. The sleeve 35 is then placed through one of the end walls 17 or I9 of the panels 16 until the head 48 on the stud 44 is seated on the shoulder of the countersunk aperture in the end wall. A second hinge assembly is assembled and placed into the sleeve 35 at the opposite end wall of the panel and the other stud 44 in this assembly is screwed into place within the sleeve 35 and seated on the shoulder 50. The sleeve will now be rigidly positioned and held between the end walls 17 and 19 of the panel. The head 36 of the pin 34 is then turned into the nut 40 until complete resistance is felt. In other words, the spring 42 is compressed between the studs 44 and nut 40. The spring 42 will then be suitably biased so as to tend to push the nut 40 along the sleeve 35. This in turn will tend to pull the pin 34 and head 36 into sleeve 35.

After the requisite number of hinge units 33 have been assembled within the panels 16, the mallet shaped heads 36 on the end of each pin 34 is inserted through a corresponding arcuate slot 28 in the astragal 26. The pins 34 are then rotated to position the mallet head 36 perpendicular to the plane of the slots 28 thereby locking then panel I6 to the astragal 26.

The coil springs 42 will urge the mallet head 36 on the end of the pins 34 into snug engagement with either of the arcuate surfaces 27 or 29 of the astragal 26. However, the mallet heads 36 are rotatable on the arcuate surfaces 27, 29 and hence the door can be closed as shown in FIGURE 2 or opened as shown in FIGURE 3.

Laterally extending flanges 53 and 55 are formed on each astragal 26. These flanges are adapted to aid in limiting the amount of rotation of each panel 16 by abutment with the panel. Normally, the angular orientation of the panels 16 with respect to each other is limited by the number of panels in the door and the width of the door opening. That is, by making the opening smaller than the combined lateral width of the panels and astragals, the door will close the opening before it can be pulled at. Hence, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the panels I6 are adapted to rotate from a position where they are back-to-back, to an acute angle of approximately with respect to the center line of the astragal 26 when closing an opening of conventional width. The flanges 53 and 55 insure that the angular orientation of the panels is maintained. lf the door opening is increased, more panels can be added to the door for the purpose described. However, it is also contemplated that the panels of this invention can be used as room dividers, screens, etc., wherein flanges 53, 55 will be used to their full extent to limit rotation. As shown in FIGURE 2, the maximum angle desired between adjacent panels 16 is approximately 140. Hence. even when the door is completely closed, the door with present the effect of being corrugated. l

When mounting the door comprising the panels 16 and astragals 26 between the door jambs 12 and 14, a plastic panel 18, approximately half the size of the panel 16 is secured to the jamb 12 by fasteners such as 54. A half panel 30 is pivotably mounted upon the half panel 18 by means of a conventional hinge 52. The panel 30 is identical to the panel 16 except that only one pin 34 is mounted therein. The astragals 26 and the panels 16 are then strung in series and an astragal is connected to the mallet heads of the pins within panel 30.

Secured to the door jamb 14 is a channel-shaped molding 22. The molding 22 is an extruded plastic channel attached to the jamb 14 which will hold the door in a locked position. The channel 22 is adapted to receive a guide post 20 connected to the last panel in the door.

As shown in FIGURES and 6, the last panel in the series comprises a half panel 32. The half panel 32 includes a plurality of sleeves 35 at spaced vertical intervals similar to the larger panel 16. However, only one pin assembly is disposed within each of these sleeves. The pin assemblies protrude beyond the end walls of the panel 32 in staggered alternate relationship from one end wall to the other throughout the length of the panel. The pins protruding from the righthand side of the panel 32, as viewed in FIGURE 5, cooperate with an arcuate surface and elongated slots in the guide post such as found upon the astragals.

The use of the half panels at each end of the folding door insure that when the door is folded, as shown in FIGURE 3, the panels will lie flush in back-to-back relationship and not protrude through the doorway.

An elongated slot 72 is formed in the guide post 20. By placing ones fingers through the slot 72, the door may be pulled back and forth across the door opening. Alterf natively, a latch mechanism may be inserted within slot 72 for cooperation with channel molding 22.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, it will be seen that each of the door panels is adapted to be guided in its sliding engagement by a generally channel-shaped track 24 secured to the molding 13 connecting the door jambs 12 and.

14. The track 24 is formed from one piece of extruded plastic. A roller connecting arm 60 is secured to the central top portion of each of the hollow panels 16. The connector arm 60 terminates in a horizontal axle 62 which mounts at its opposite ends a roller 64. The rollers are adapted to slide along the opposed horizontal flanges 65 on the track 24. The fianges 65 terminate in a lip 70 which prevents each of the rollers 64 from sliding laterally off the flanges 65.

By the use of the hinge assembly described above, the mallet head 36 on each of the pins 34 are held firm against the inside arcuate wall of the astragal 26 by the tension of the coil springs 42. By forming this snug engagement, the panels are prevented from separating as the door is pulled. Further, the door is provided with an even flow throughout its operation.

Since each of the panels 16, 18, 30, 32 and guide post 20 is hollow, the interior of these members can be filled with a dense polyurethane foam or like substance having insulating qualities. The door can thus be sound proofed as well as insulated against the transfer of heat through it. This makes the door adaptable for use as classroom dividers in schools, churches, and institutions. Further, it will be feasible for use in hospitals and clinics.

Since the panels of the door are formed of heavy extruded plastic, they are durable and have long lasting qualities. Hence, the door may be used for exterior as well as interior uses. The door panels possess a strong, hard surface that cannot be easily marred and can withstand such varied weather conditions as sunlight, rain, snow, heat, and cold. The door can thus be used to enclose patios, walkways, breezeways, and porches.

The panels disclosed by this invention are not limited for use in doors. It is also contemplated that the panels can form collapsible screens, room dividers, etc.

The door panels can also be coated with any color iinish or high quality wood finish to meet decorator requirements.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A collapsible closure member comprising a series of panels, a connecting member between adjacent panels in said series, said connecting member being hollow and including a pair of inner opposed arcuate surfaces, a slot in the arcuate surfaces, a hinge assembly pivotably connecting each adjacent panel to one of the opposed arcuate surfaces on said connecting member, said hinge assembly including a pin protruding from the panel and extending into said slot, a head on said pin received within said hollow connecting member in sliding and rotatable engagement with one of said arcuate surfaces, and resilient means within said panel connected to said pin for urging said head into snug engagement with said arcuate surfaces.

2. The collapsible closure member defined in claim 1, including means on said connecting member for limiting the pivotable movement of said panels from a backtoback position to a position wherein said panels extend at an oblique angle with respect to each other.

3. A closure member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said panels are hollow.

4. A closure member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said panels and connecting member are formed from extruded plastic.

5. The collapsible closure member defined in claim 1, including a pair of spaced door jambs connected by a molding, a one piece plastic track secured to said molding, and at least one roller protruding from the top of every other panel into engagement with said track.

6. A collapsible closure member comprising a series of panels, a connecting member between adjacent panels in said series, said connecting member being hollow and including a pair of inner opposed arcuate surfaces, at least one elongated slot in each arcuate surface, a hinge assembly pivotably connecting each adjacent panel to one of the opposed arcuate surfaces on said connecting member, said hinge assembly including a pin protruding from a panel, a mallet head on one end of said pin received within said hollow connecting member through the elongated slot in one of said arcuate surfaces, said pin being rotatable within said panel to a position locking said mallet head within said hollow connecting member in sliding and rotatable engagement with said arcuate surface, and resilient means within said panel connected to said pin for urging said head into snug engagement with said arcuate surface.

7. A closure member in accordance with claim 6 including means on said connecting member for limiting the pivotable movement of said panels from a back-toback position to a position wherein said panels extend at an oblique angle with respect to each other.

8. A collapsible closure member comprising a series of panels, a connecting member between adjacent panels in said series, said connecting member being hollow and including a pair of opposed arcuate surfaces, a hinge assembly pivotably connecting each adjacent panel to one of the opposed arcuate surfaces on said connecting rnember, said hinge assembly including a sleeve within said panel, a stud threadably connected to each end of said sleeve securing said sleeve to opposed end walls of said panel, a pin within said sleeve, said pin extending through one of said studs and terminating in a mallet head protruding beyond one of said end Walls, a nut threadably connected to the other end of said pin, a coil spring wound about said pin between said one stud and said nut, said spring compressively engaging said one stud and said nut, at least one elongated slot in each arcuate surface of said connecting member, said mallet head being received within said hollow connecting member through said slot, said pin being rotatable within said panel to a position locking said mallet head within said hollow connecting member in rotatable engagement With said arcuate surface, and said coil spring urging said head into snug engagement with said arcuate surface.

t3 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 257,373 5/1882 OLally 16-183 432,119 7/1890 Crocker 16-145 553,931 2/1896 Parker 160-229 2,558,228 6/1951 Young 16-163 X 2,575,623 11/1951 Graves 16-163 X 2,703,140 3/1955 Bonawit. 2,834,410 5/1958 Kuyper 160-183 2,985,907 5/1961 Duncan 16-94 3,008,178 11/1961 Hofgesang 16-166 X 3,123,131 3/1964 Giesser 160-232 3,131,753 5/1964 Dixon 160-183 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,003 4/ 1903 Great Britain.

HARRISON R, MOSELEY, Primary Examineia D. L. TAYLOR, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A COLLAPSIBLE CLOSURE MEMBER COMPRISING A SERIES OF PANELS, A CONNECTING MEMBER BETWEEN ADJACENT PANELS IN SAID SERIES, SAID CONNECTING MEMBER BEING HOLLOW AND INCLUDING A PAIR OF INNER OPPOSED ARCUATE SURFACES, A SLOT IN THE ARCUATE SURFACES, A HINGE ASSEMBLY PIVOTABLY CONNECTING EACH ADJACENT PANEL TO ONE OF THE OPPOSED ARCUATE SURFACES ON SAID CONNECTING MEMBER, SAID HINGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A PIN PROTRUDING FROM THE PANEL AND EXTENDING INTO SAID SLOT, A HEAD ON SAID PIN RECEIVED WITHIN SAID HOLLOW CONNECTING MEMBER IN SLIDING AND ROTATABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH ONE OF SAID ARCUATE SURFACES, AND RESILIENT MEANS WITHIN SAID PANEL CONNECTED TO SAID PIN FOR URGING SAID HEAD INTO SNUG ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ARCUATE SURFACES. 